Health Care Archive - Page 1173 of 1479 - Home Health Patient Education

Precautions to be Exercised While Using Stimulant Laxatives

Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while using stimulant laxatives as follows: Discontinue using the stimulant laxatives, if you experience any undiagnosed abdominal pain or rectal bleed. Since these laxatives decrease the transit time for the stool through the intestines and retain more water in stool, individuals can be at risk for dehydration. Caution must be exercised with regards to rehydration. A deliberate effort for rehydration should be made, as senior citizens usually [...]

Contraindications for Using Stimulant Laxatives

Patient was educated on contraindications for using stimulant laxatives as follows: Intestinal strictures These laxatives for the most part are contraindicated in individuals with history of intestinal strictures and blockage. Increased intestinal contractions in such individuals can increase the risk for perforation of the intestines with shock and hemorrhage. Abdominal pain and cramping These laxatives usually are contraindicated in individuals with undiagnosed abdominal pain and cramping, as these complaints can deteriorate further with stimulant laxative [...]

Side Effects of Using Stimulant Laxatives

Patient was educated on side effects of using stimulant laxatives as follows: Loss of urge Prolonged use of stimulant laxatives may result in one losing the natural urge of having a bowel movement. Chronic use of stimulant laxatives can lead to nerve damage in the colon and the colon becomes lax. The intestines might lose their natural function of elimination and become increasingly dependent on the use of laxative, to cause the effect of elimination. [...]

How to Take Stimulant Laxatives

Patient was educated on how to take stimulant laxatives as follows: Take the medication with a full 8 oz. glass of water. Take it at the same time every day, to avoid forgetting the medication. Maintain strict compliance with intake of the medication as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication. Do not overdose on the stimulant laxative to increase the ease of having a bowel movement Do [...]

Stimulant Laxatives

Patient was educated on stimulant laxatives as follows: Stimulant laxatives are agents that stimulate the intestines, resulting in increased smooth muscle contractions. Increased smooth muscle contractions move the stool faster and so, decrease the transit time of the stool through the intestines. Water is gradually absorbed from the stool, as it travels along the intestines, making the stool dry and harder. Shortening of the transit time along the intestines will allow only less water to [...]